CREWE Lyceum Theatre is hitting the high notes with a project designed to give two town centres a boost after lockdown.

Five pianos, which have been decorated by local artists and community groups, have been placed at key locations in Crewe and Macclesfield as part of a project funded by the Welcome Back Fund from the European Regional Development Fund.

They are available for members of the public to play and interact with and will be used as part of a programme of performances, ranging from headline professional acts to community choirs and student musicians.

In Crewe two of the pianos are located at Crewe Lifestyle Centre and Crewe Market Hall, where they have been decorated by Crewe Lyceum Young Ambassadors and artist David Jewkes, respectively.

The third is at the the Lyceum where the project is making use of the theatre's very own Bechstein Grand Piano, donated in 2008 by the Men of Crewe Railway Works.

The project is being run by Crewe Lyceum's Creative Learning and Engagement Manager Lucy Thomson-Smith, in collaboration with local musical director, Treona Holden.

Lucy said: "The Crewe Lyceum is an integral part of the cultural landscape in Cheshire. Through these pianos, it is a great way for our local theatre to reach beyond its doors and bring music, creativity and entertainment into the streets across the county.

"We hope people will enjoy listening to the musical performances or even have a go on the keys themselves."

The pianos will stay in their locations until September this year.